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Marbury v. Madison

Students examine documents establishing the principal of judicial review in 1803.

Review

During the early years of the American republic, the system of checks and balances between the three branches of the federal government was tested and solidified. This lesson examines the history behind the expansion of the Supreme Court's role and the principal of judicial review that came from the case of Marbury v. Madison in 1803.

For teachers, one of the helpful things this website provides is secondary background reading and questions at three different ability levels. The easiest level provides help with vocabulary and may be suitable for English language learners.

An engaging political cartoon analysis exercise is also included. The cartoon illustrates the balance of powers between the three branches of government, equating the Supreme Court to referees in a football game.

Yes
Lesson focuses on reading and answering questions. No large, essay-style question for student writing is included, but students construct brief responses to questions about documents they have read.

Analytic Thinking

Requires students to analyze or construct interpretations using evidence

Yes
Students analyze documents to answer questions about who has the power to declare laws unconstitutional. The political cartoon analysis exercise centers on analytic thinking.

Yes
This lesson is appropriate for a secondary audience, though this is not specifically stated on the site. Teachers may decide the activities and resources are appropriate for an eighth-grade class.

Includes materials and strategies for scaffolding and supporting student thinking?

Yes
In addition to the leveled background reading, an opening scenario, a diagram of the case, and excerpts from primary documents also work to support student understanding. Questions included with the sources require varied levels of understanding ranging from basic to quite sophisticated.

Lesson Structure

Includes assessment criteria and strategies that focus on historical understanding?

No
Activities do not include assessment strategies other than questions that a teacher could assign to check for student understanding.

Defines clear learning goals and progresses logically?

No
No learning objectives are explicitly stated; however, the lesson activities progress logically.

Includes clear directions and is realistic in normal classroom settings?

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